Woodland continues utility bill aid for low-income households

Woodland has begun accepting applications for the utility assistance program.

The program provides low-income residential households with three months of assistance at $58.75 per month.

Utility assistance was implemented in 2010 and is fully funded through Community Development Block Grant funds, according to Dan Sokolow of the city.

"To qualify, residents must either own or lease the property at which they live and must provide proof of enrollment in PG&E's California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs," Sokolow stated.

In addition to the Utility Assistance Program, residents may be eligible for a reduction in solid waste and energy bills through one of several programs.

Waste Management's Solid Waste Services Discount Program provides a 10 percent discount off the Waste Management service fees of qualifying households for a 12 month period. The program is offered to low income residential, single-family home owner customers with a trash container, one green waste container, one recycling container and street sweeping.

Waste Management also offers backyard collection service for senior or disabled residents who are unable to take their carts to the curb.

PG&E's CARE program provides a monthly discount on energy bills for income-qualified households and housing facilities. Qualifications are based on the number of persons living in your home and your total annual household income, Sokolow continued.

The FERA program provides a monthly discount on electric bills for income-qualified households of three or more persons.

Finally, the Yolo County Home Energy Assistance Program provides payment assistance for low-income residents on home energy bills.

The one-time per calendar year payment varies depending upon income, household size, and funding. HEAP applicants may also be eligible for a free weatherization program where energy efficiency-improving measures are done in the home to reduce energy costs.

GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit organization, offers a Solar Affordable Housing Program to install solar electric systems for low-income homeowners, noted Sokolow. The program walks clients through every step of the installation process.